Known as the “Ultimate Sport for the Mind,” FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) brings together teams, sponsors, colleges, and technical professionals with high school students to develop their solution to a prescribed engineering challenge in a competitive game environment. Robots are built in six weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST, and typically weigh up to 150 pounds.

“It’s not just about robots,” says inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, who founded FIRST to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders through innovation mentor-based programs. “It’s about building self-confidence, respect, and important relationships with people who invent new technologies to make a better future,” he said.

Teams will learn the 2014 competition game on January 4 and begin building their robotics to accomplish the assigned tasks.

The first 35 teams registering for the Crossroads Regional on March 6-8, 2014, at Rose-Hulman’s Sports and Recreation Center are (separated by states):

Registration for first-year teams will start in November. Only 10 rookie team spots remain to completely fill the 45-team Crossroads Regional competition roster.

“Rose-Hulman has become a true partner in my mission to help young people become scientists and engineers,” Kamen stated while visiting the 2013 Crossroads Regional. He was awarded an honorary degree of engineering from Rose-Hulman in 2012.

Top teams from the Crossroads Regional will advance to the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship on April 23-26, 2014, in St. Louis.

FIRST is a volunteer-driven organization and the Crossroads Regional is seeking volunteers to help host the 2014 event. Find out how to get involved at www.rose-hulman.edu/first.